CARING FOR YOUR LAMINATE
FLOOR CARE . . . With laminates—prevention better than cleaning

Dirt is brought into the house from outside and then gets trodden into the floor so the best way of keeping a laminate floor clean is to avoid getting it dirty. Fit entrance mats to remove as much dirt and soil as possible before it can adversely affect the floor’s surface.

Walked-in dirt causes damage on nearly all floor coverings. Grit, soil and gravel acts like sandpaper on laminate floors and can scratch the surface. The same goes for furniture so purchasers should fit felt pads under the feet of chairs, tables and cupboards. In the office or home office, office chairs, filing trolleys and mobile containers should be fitted with soft treads/castors.

INITIAL CLEANING
After installation, remove wood shavings, dust and dirt with a broom or vacuum cleaner. Then clean the floor using the manufacturer’s recommended laminate cleaner, where available, or wipe the surface with a well wrung-out moist cloth.

Stubborn glue residue on the surface after installation can be removed using acetone or a special laminate glue remover—even then, use only very sparingly, according to manufacturer’s instructions!

ON GOING MAINTENANCE
Laminate flooring has a hard, impervious surface, which dirt cannot cling to and is easily removed. Routine cleaning requires just vacuuming or dusting with a clean, dry cloth, or a damp mop.

Loose dirt can also be eliminated by using specially impregnated dusting cloths or statically charged cloths. However, daily use of these cloths can cause adherence of the impregnation and increased clinging of dirt.

Beeswax and polish should not be used as they will not stick to or penetrate impervious laminate flooring and can cause unsightly staining. Use only non-abrasive pads and cleaners, including nylon scouring pads, steel wool, etc. which may damage the finish.